Dear STL Family,
As we enter the Third Week of Advent, another candle is lit as we light the way for the coming of Christ. In Fr. Ron's homily this morning, he reminds us that we make straight the path of the Lord by making ourselves worthy of the coming of Christ. He further asks us to ask ourselves, "Do we want God to come to us? Do we want to make that pathway straight for Him?"
During the past two weeks of Advent, I've been watchful and observant of how we do this through our service to others, especially those in need. It takes a lot of energy, a lot of time, a lot of juggling as we attempt to balance family, work, and everyone's demands on us.
I've become keenly aware that we cannot help but be changed by our encounters with those in need and how our very encounters develop compassion in us and a heightened awareness of others' needs. I marvel at the responses to "stepping up to the plate" opportunities, if you will, that our amazing parish volunteers and donors have already demonstrated. Not only are your Christian attitudes showing, but your relationship-building attributes as well. The incoming donations to The Giving Tree project and Las Madrinas Bake & Craft Fair's fruitful profits and the women's creative, artistic talents are perfect examples.
I was recently told that unspoken prejudices exist in our parish and judgmental language is used toward those who are "not like us". That saddens me, but I know that even negative 'influencers' will inevitably invade our holy places. It is not our intention to applaud only those who keep our ministries running or dismiss those who are not very involved in the parish. We know there are many of you who are changing lives through works of mercy and justice outside our parish ministries. Please know that wherever or however you serve, you honor God and give Him glory!
At this juncture, it's a good time to pause, breathe, and slowly wait ~ my image is of Mary and Joseph waiting for the birth of their baby. Yes, I too, get restless in the waiting, but I found comfort when Fr. Ron shared the words of St. Augustine, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Ok, my break is over; more news to share with you...
STL's Scrip Team is selling Scrip (gift cards) onsite after the Sunday outdoor 9:00 am Mass. If your request requires a special order, it will be placed that same Sunday and, will likely arrive in time for you to pick up on the following Sunday. Thanks for your patience!
We will be accepting your monetary contributions for The Giving Tree through the Christmas season which ends Jan. 10, 2021, The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Thanks for your generous giving!
Don't forget to submit you or your family singing your favorite Christmas carol for STL's Virtual Christmas Caroling event. We realize that the initial 20-30 second recording is too short. So make yours up to 1 minute and email your video directly to Evelyn@stluke-ec.org by Sunday night, Dec. 20th. Check out the instructions on the parish website.
Our Christmas Mass Schedule has changed to:
Thursday, December 24, 2020
3:30 pm ~ in-person, outdoors, live-stream
7:00 pm ~ in-person, outdoors
10:00 pm ~ in-person, outdoors
Friday, December 25, 2020
9:00 am ~ in-person, outdoors
Please remind your family guests to wear their face coverings and bring their own chairs.